Why Pumpkins Gleam On Halloween

| Read time: 3 minute(s)

Why Pumpkins Gleam On Halloween Ever noticed, when you think of Halloween you recall the spooky looking carved pumpkin? Whether seen in cartoons on television, magazines or as props in Halloween parties - The round orange gourd has been a strong Halloween symbol – Have you ever wondered the reason behind its existence? As Halloween rolls out on October 31st, here’s taking a closer look. Dusting out the book of folktales Legends have it that in folk culture, a man named Stingy Jack took the bold move to invite the Devil out for a good time. Over the course of what was initially an entertaining night, the cunning con artist tried to swindle the devil multiple times leading to the devil finishing Stingy Jack off. It is said that Stingy was banished from both, the gates of Hell and the stairway to Heaven and in return, was sent packing back to Earth given just a dim little light to pave his way around. And then.. And so it started - Folks in the 19th century would carve pumpkins along with other vegetables, keep a light inside and place it outside their home. Householders would set up this spooky looking carved lantern in the hopes to scare away the spirit of this Irish con-artist. And Now.. In the modern day however, this age old folktale has become a fun part of the Halloween tradition of pumpkin carving. The Jack-O-Lantern is now also a famous Halloween decoration as well. So the next time you see this orange head, you know where it originated from. Fun Fact: There are two main colours significant to Halloween - Black which symbolizes darkness and evil and orange which is closely linked to strength and endurance.

Ever noticed, when you think of Halloween you recall the spooky looking carved pumpkin? Whether seen in cartoons on television, magazines or as props in Halloween parties –  The round orange gourd has been a strong Halloween symbol – Have you ever wondered the reason behind its existence? As Halloween rolls out on October 31st, here’s taking a closer look.

Dusting out the book of folktales

Legends have it that in folk culture, a man named Stingy Jack took the bold move to invite the Devil out for a good time. Over the course of what was initially an entertaining night, the cunning con artist tried to swindle the devil multiple times leading to the devil finishing Stingy Jack off.

It is said that Stingy was banished from both, the gates of Hell and the stairway to Heaven and in return, was sent packing back to Earth given just a dim little light to pave his way around.

And then..

And so it started – Folks in the 19th century would carve pumpkins along with other vegetables, keep a light inside and place it outside their home. Householders would set up this spooky looking carved lantern in the hopes to scare away the spirit of this Irish con-artist. 

And Now..

In the modern day however, this age old folktale has become a fun part of the Halloween tradition of pumpkin carving. The Jack-O-Lantern is now also a famous Halloween decoration as well. So the next time you see this orange head, you know where it originated from.


Fun Fact

There are two main colours significant to Halloween - Black which symbolizes darkness and evil and orange which is closely linked to strength and endurance.


Rate Now


Read to me